Why I Chose to Focus on Reducing Plastic Waste (In response to "Anti-plastic focus 'dangerous distraction' from climate change" article)

While working towards my MBA in Sustainability, I had trouble choosing which environmental issue to focus on post graduation.

First, I chose climate change because of the urgency behind it. Then, as I learned more through my masters program, I realized the importance of working to reduce plastic waste.

Partially in response to a recent article published by BBC News claiming that focusing on plastic waste was a dangerous distraction from climate change, I'm sharing why:

Nature can survive climate change (we might not)

Most people don't realize we aren't really fighting climate change to save the planet, but to save ourselves. And, our co-inhabiters. I certainly didn't realize this going into getting my masters. 

Nature is resilient. It has bounced back from billions of years of changes, including previous global shifts in climate. 

Whether we're too late for climate change is an unknown. But we know that nature will try and revive itself. So, whatever is left on this planet after the blows of climate change, I want to give it a fighting chance.

Nature has revived post climate change, but never with plastic.

Whether it's humans, minos, or mycelium — nature will need potable water and/or edible sources of energy (food) to make its big comeback. This hasn't been an issue in its previous revivals, but plastic poses a big threat to the ecosystem nature has relied on to bounce back with in the past.

If we want to make sure nature comes back as usual, we need to stop infusing it with lasting micro plastic in its water and food systems.

Companies won't innovate away from plastic if we keep using it

I don't know how else to describe this point beyond its headline, other than to reemphasize. If you get it, move on to the next point.

It's only when consumers show they want change through shopping and social behavior that companies will spend money on change. 

When we show companies we aren't OK with plastic, we encourage them to find more sustainable alternatives. 

Plastic emits ghg, just like some plastic alternatives, at least after alternatives there isn't plastic.

When anything that's organic or biodegradable — food, grain salad bowl, paper cup, etc — ends up in landfill, it emits methane — a greenhouse gas way worse than CO2. Plastic doesn't break down as quickly, so it doesn't emit as much.

The argument in favor of plastic to follow this fact is that plastic is better for the planet because it prevents more ghg emissions.  

But, this argument seems to always fail to mention the ghg emissions from plastic production.

Plastics production is responsible for 1% to 3% of greenhouse gas emissions, and that's just in the US. Switching to an oil plastic alternative, like plant-based plastics, could reduce industry-wide GHG emissions by 25% annually. Imagine how much ghg emissions would be reduced if companies keep innovating, or we curb our use.

Plastic production is expected to keep growing

I will leave my final reasoning with this excerpt from the NY Times recapping a study released last month (October 2018):

"Petrochemicals are currently the largest industrial energy consumer and the third-largest industrial emitter of greenhouse gas emissions. The report found that direct greenhouse gas emissions from petrochemicals would increase 20 percent by 2030 and 30 percent by 2050.

The main driver of the petrochemical industry’s growing climate footprint, according to the report, will be plastics."

Today, I run a company focusing on beautifully designed alternatives to single-use plastic items. Here is Silvr, our launching product.

There's a .gif of it to the left <. Would love any feedback you have.

olivia@silvrinc.com.

Podcast Interview with Sarah Kauss

I’ve been looking up to the way Sarah Kauss runs her business from the moment I discovered S’well. Since the idea for Silvr popped into my head, my wanting to learn from her only grew stronger.

I had the amazing honor of getting to ask her pretty much any question I wanted to (I could have ask her 100 more) in podcast interview I conducted with her, and it was a dream. I learned so much, and think any entrepreneur could too.

Here’s the link to the article with the podcast link. Thank you, Sarah!

https://www.greenbiz.com/article/new-lifestyle-how-swell-reusable-bottles-are-proving-sustainability-can-be-stylish

Just Because They're Right Doesn't Mean You're Wrong

I hit a steep learning curve when starting to figure out how to manufacture silvr.

After weeks of research and conversation, I landed on casting and injection molding as my manufacturing process of choice.

At the same time, I landed on the material I would use — 304 stainless steel.

About a month into reaching out to manufacturers, one wrote back saying that what I was asking for wasn't possible because of the resistance 304 stainless has.

I was embarrassed and crushed to know I had to go back to the drawing board.

With more research I found that 304 stainless works better with a manufacturing process called machining. So, I started reaching out to manufacturers for this...

...only to be told "Why don't you do injection molding? It will cost so much less and scale better?". I was shocked to know that there were plenty of shops out there capable of carrying out my original manufacturing plan.

I completely abandoned what I thought was correct approach because one person, who I perceived to be more knowledgeable, told me it wasn't possible. 

Now, I'm back to my original approach and feeling foolish, but more confident all at once.

Moral of the story; don't let one person or comment change your course. Just be confident enough in the path you have chosen. 

I'm Looking for a Partner

I'm looking for a partner to join me in bringing to life a company called silvr.

My work communication style is pretty straight-to-the-point. Personal guideline of "work hard and be nice to people." So, respectfully, I'll get right to it.

ABOUT SILVR

Silvr uses the power of design to reduce the use of disposable plastic products, by offering more attractive alternatives. I was inspired by how the likes of S'well® and Tesla were able to change consumer behavior to be more environmentally sustainable by focusing on more desirable design. 

The first product to launch from silvr will be beautifully designed personal flatware that's meant to reduce the use of disposable plastic silverware. Currently, what's available in the reusable cutlery market is very utility or "granola" in style...sporks, bamboo, etc..Silvr aims to offer a third option that feels more premium and that most would be excited to use.

MY ROLE/STRENGTHS IN SILVR
I'm product/brand/marketing heavy. Second to that, I have an understanding of business direction based on what's going on in the market and data. With a Sustainability MBA, I'm comfortable navigating all of this while optimizing finances. I work on silvr full time and I'm based in NY. 

PARTNER'S ROLE/STRENGTHS IN SILVR

To complement me, silvr needs an operationally-focused person on board... P&L/manufacturing/order fulfillment heavy. Second to that, the ideal partner would have sales skills to pull some weight with getting initial orders and an ability to communicate well with a future sales team. I'm looking for someone to dive in with me full time, but am open to lower hourly commitment to feel it out at the beginning.

He, she, or they do not need a background in sustainability or sustainable goods, but should be excited about silvr's mission of reducing disposable plastic waste. Background in consumer goods is a major plus.

He, she, or they can be based anywhere in the US.

PROGESS TO DATE
I started working on silvr in October 2017. After multiple rounds of design and prototyping, the prototype is pretty much finalized. I've spent considerable time on brand and sales strategy and have a good idea of how I want to enter the market. Through extensive user testing, I've validated demand for the product from consumers. Beyond direct to consumer, early discussions with customers ranging from small boutiques to larger enterprise have been encouraging.

I'm in touch with a few manufacturers, but have not selected one yet.

If you want to get involved in this capacity or know someone who might, shoot me an email at oliviagossettcooper@gmail.com. Thanks!

(More info on me if you'd like...

2010-2016 I worked as a copywriter for advertising agencies and digital products.

I'm really focused and trained on what drives consumers — from product to copy. I love the psychology behind it. I'm a good mix of creative and strategic.

2016-2018 I became an MBA in Sustainability

My personal goal is to use business to improve responsible consumption...if we are going to consume, which we will for the foreseeable future, let's do it in a way that's less harmful to planet and other people.

My work style is to work when working and play when playing. I'm not the best at balancing both at the same time. But, I think building relationships is important. Work hard for sprints then taking a little mind break in the form of chatting about current events, going for a walk, watching a quick video, etc..)